Dr. A.J. Lokesh, Director and Dean of the Kodagu Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS), stressed the importance of early diagnosis and appropriate treatment for spinal cord injuries and called for sustained efforts to curb substance abuse among the youth. He was speaking after inaugurating the World Spinal Cord Injury Day and ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat’ (Drug-Free India) programme held at the District Hospital teaching hall on Thursday.
The programme was jointly organised by the District Administration, Zilla Panchayat, KIMS and Teaching Hospital, District Health and Family Welfare Department, Swami Vivekananda Youth Movement (Kodagu branch), and Project Samarth, a CSR initiative of Nayara Energy Limited, with community participation.
Dr. Lokesh said the factors that lead students to substance abuse differ from those affecting older adults. He said further awareness programmes would be organised in collaboration with colleges, the Departments of Primary and Medical Education, and various NGOs. Speaking about neurological conditions, including spinal cord injuries and paralysis, he emphasised the need for early identification and appropriate treatment. He said spinal cord injuries could result from trauma and that timely treatment, including physiotherapy, could help restore the functioning of affected limbs.
He cautioned against immediately attributing a patient’s condition to a spinal cord injury following a road accident. A complete medical history must first be assessed, he said, noting that a person could also have fallen because of pre-existing weakness in the limbs. Ordering an MRI or CT scan without understanding the patient’s medical history would therefore be inappropriate.
District Surgeon Dr. D.S. Nanjundaiah said the spinal cord is a vital part of the human body and plays an important role in movement and other bodily functions. He stressed that protecting the spinal cord, which is enclosed within the vertebral column, is everyone’s responsibility. He also highlighted the objectives of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan and called for greater public awareness to prevent drug addiction among young people and encourage healthy lifestyles.
Dr. Atheesh, Assistant Professor in the medical department, said doctors, specialists, professors, nursing officers, staff and students all have an important role in spreading awareness about the campaign.
He also noted the recent successful laparoscopic kidney stone surgery at KIMS, describing it as a significant achievement for the institution. He said the phased improvement of various departments reflected the collective efforts of doctors, staff and students.
Psychiatrist Dr. Rupesh said the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan was an ongoing initiative and that awareness programmes were being conducted among students and the general public. A signature campaign involving students and members of the public is also being held to promote the message of a drug-free India.
District Differently-Abled Welfare Officer Vimala said spinal cord injuries can result in physical, social and economic challenges. She stressed the importance of maintaining good health through yoga and exercise.
Presiding over the programme, Project Director K.R. Shankar said family members should provide encouragement and emotional support to those affected by spinal cord injuries or disorders. Such individuals should not be treated differently, but with the same respect as other members of the family, he said. Saifuddin of Madapura, who has recovered from spinal cord-related problems, shared his experiences.
District Tuberculosis Eradication Officer Dr. Sanath Kumar, B.Sc. Nursing College Principal Manjula, health department officials and students participated in the programme. Sunitha rendered the invocation, while District Health Education Officer H.K. Shanthi compered the programme and delivered the welcome address and vote of thanks.
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